Not ranting this time. Crowing instead

[AnneWynne]

The art show mentioned in my rant was today, and it was very affirming.

I sold 4 prints (it was a _very small gypsey art show at a local coffee shop, as expected), but decent traffic for an overcast day at the beach. I had a great display (my sis-in-law pulled through and provided some table stands for the framed pieces and borrowed a table from her s-in-l). I had steady traffic to my area, but not so heavy I could not chat with customers.

Almost everyone who looked at my prints had very positive feedback (an not just the polite that's lovely), asked intelliegent questions, made suggestions on where I could sell my work, etc. I plugged my portrait business with a slideshow on my netbook and handing out brochures to people. While no one booked, I still got my name out there. I also asked people to fan me on facebook. Bottom line, by the end of the afternoon, I was hoarse from talking so much.

I made good connections with other artists in the area and even impressed them (I think). The other artists were very helpful in offering advice on where/how to sell in the area and where to display. The organizer wants me to show again next month.

For being as unprepared for a show (even a small one), I think I did pretty well for myself. I learned what sells, what brings people into my space, and I have several goals to accomplish for the next opportunity next Friday. For someone who was so negative, my s-in-l has offered to hang prints in her space at an antique mall on their First Friday sale (it is actually an entire downtown thing , so there are a lot of browsers.) Again, it is the exposure I want more than anything. Selling prints is great, but I want people to book sessions with me.

So, thanks for putting up with my rant earlier...it allowed me to "clear the jets" to move foreward to a successful Sunday.
Anne

[milosmom]

Wow, that's great. I actually Loved your rant, because it rings true for so many. Glad you had a positive experience today. Take care

[AnonymousKiwi1]

Congratulations, Anne. Well done. Stay positive, keep smiling.

Lisa

[ZannieGirl49]

Congratulations! What a positive way to end the weekend.

[Jamfke]

I believe the phrase is "you go girl!" Congrats, and I'm glad things are moving forward for you!

[candidrachel]

Wow that wonderful. Anne you have given me inspiration! Seriously, just reading your proactive approach for getting your work out there has given me food for thought. Your whole post was brimming with enthusiasm and that's infectious.

Well done you!!

[AnneWynne]

Originally Posted by AnneWynne

I plugged my portrait business with a slideshow on my netbook and handing out brochures to people.
Anne

BTW, here is a link to my slide show. It was incredibly easy to do using Animoto, and it only cost $3. A year of Animoto is $30 (branded at the end with Animoto), or you can get a pro version for $250 (no branding). I think it is an incredible product that can give a proofs presentation a real WOW factor (then you give them the individual proofs).

Here is the link: Animoto - Anne Edens Photography

I have been taking my net book with me on sessions and at the end will pop my flash card out of the camera and into the netbook to review what I have and give my clients a taste of what they will be seeing in the near future. It is a very impressive little trick.

Anne

[Jim Bryant]

Good for you. BTW, nice body of work!

[AnneWynne]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Good for you. BTW, nice body of work!

Thanks, Jim. Coming from you means a lot.

BTW, I have gotten a couple of calls today from people who did not buy yesterday, thought about it, and want to buy today. Lesson is, _hand_ people your card, don't just wait for them to pick it up.

[Jill H]

Congratulations Anne on your sales. I read your "ranting" thread, and I understand completely. I have been considering putting a stall at a local fair in order to promote my work and also to see if my work will sell, and I am wondering what size prints did you sell at the art show? Did you have them framed, or just mounted? Thanks again and all the best for your future as a photographer!